Richelle Paris Walks' Fashion Guide HomeWho we areContact us - FAQs __________ Summer WalksWinter WalksThis Month & Next ------------------ Chocolate walksFashion walksPrivate tours ___________ London WalksWalks in other citiesOther links ___________ Favourite hotelsParis on a budgetVegetarian ParisReading list ___________ Our booksFASHION WALKS Paris is famous for it’s long association with fashion, from the world-famous names of haute couture (Chanel, Doir, Yves St Laurent…) the many small scale shops with distinctive creations, to the new trend in quirky thrift shops with their treasure troves of clothes and accessories. Paris Walks have developed two enjoyable circuits each of which we offer once a month (for dates consult our monthly programme). These circuits can be arranged as private tours for groups or families. CHANEL AND THE RUE ST HONORE We trace the story of Coco Chanel, the queen of traditional French chic in the district of the famous rue St Honoré, and place Vendome, time honoured centre of the luxury trade and jewelers, and where Chanel lived for many years at the Ritz. Our fashion specialist will give the background to the fashion houses and elegant shops of today, and talk of the life and influence of the characterful Chanel who revolutionized fashion in her day. We stop to visit the flagship Chanel boutique and the famous Hermes store, with its celebrated window displays, and see many of the world famous designers and chic stores. Meet in front of W H Smith bookshop, 248 rue de Rivoli, nearest metro Concorde, exit rue Cambon. FASHION in the PALAIS ROYAL neighbourhood. Explore this attractive district with the lovely covered arcades, secluded gardens which is now home to modern fashion designers. We begin with the place where fashion boutiques first started in the early 19th C, in the charming Palais Royal area, where we now see shops selling upscale vintage designer clothes (and one where stars do their shopping). We see the boutiques of Stella McCartney, the fabulous shoes of Louboutin and some unique small scale boutiques for fashion, perfumes and design. Our fashion specialist will talk about the history of fashion, as well as the designers of today. Meet at metro Palais-Royal-Musée du Louvre, at the exit on place Colette, beside the Comedie-Francaise. The metro exit is a distinctive modern one of silver and coloured beads. The tours last about 2 hours and are conducted by our fashion specialist Richelle Richelle is American and has lived in Paris for many years. She trained in design and fashion and is a qualified Paris blue badge guide. The tours are an enjoyable mixture of history, anecdotes, and fascinating trivia associated with this theme. They will show you both famous names and introduce you some lesser known treasures. On a private tour with a very small group you can go inside the shops and have time to make purchases if you want, but we advise three hours in this case. The walks do not cover a great deal of ground so you could easily walk back to any shop which has taken your fancy and shop at your leisure. The scheduled tour costs 20€ per participant. We limit the size of the group. This tour needs to be reserved and paid for in advance. The dates of scheduled tours can be found on our monthly programme. Prices for the private tours start at 180€ for two hours and 240€ for three and depend on the number of participants. The Emblem of Paris